Jacksonville Jaguars Fan Forums

Quote:I don't necessarily see the abundance of LB talent. 

 

Not knocking Jack, Smith, or Fowler for that matter, but my scenario envisions the abundance in the DL position, specifically DE, and NOT at LB.

 

Assuming Fowler is best rushing the passer and not dropping into coverage like a traditional LB, it is entirely possible to have Fowler with his hand on the ground in a 4 man line and still have the best people on the field.

 

You are essentially talking a shaded 3-3-5 without a guy on the nose with a SS in the box.  Essentially, you are saying Poz and Fowler are both better than the first round drafted DE in this hypo.

 

Poz and Fowler over a rookie DL? Yes, in my opinion they will be better. Let's not forget that Ngakoue's rookie year was something that hadn't been seen around here in decades, so I feel comfortable in assuming that the established players will perform at a higher level earlier and often.

 

But a big part of my hypothetical situation above was:

 

1. Get Fowler in space so that he can move around and blitz in order to help his production

2. Get Jack out in coverage and protect him via DL.

When looking out how to use Fowler a very good comparison for him is Tamba Hali. Very similar athletes. Tamba played some DT in college like Fowler, then played as a DE with the Chiefs before moving to a 3-4 pass rushing role where he flourished. The Chiefs used to blitz him from the A gaps, outside , where he could be best used. He wasn't very explosive or fast (combine testing wise, he had a 30 inch vert and 7.28 3 cone, albeit he was 10 pounds heavier than Fowler) but had a great motor, strong hands and developed into a great pass rusher when used to the best of his abilities.